First female Lifeboat Operations Manager for Tynemouth RNLI
Sheridan Bowler has been successful in the recent recruitment drive for a new station Lifeboat Operations manager, becoming the first female in the station's history to hold the post.
Sheridan previously held roles as crew on inshore and all-weather lifeboats, as well as Lifeboat training coordinator for the station making her well suited to take on the role.
The Lifeboat Operations Manager is a key role for the station, overseeing the operations team which consists of boats officers and launch authorities, along with responsibility for the crew at station.
Sheridan commented: 'It’s been a huge learning curve for me moving from crew to the LOM within Tynemouth RNLI, but I am up for the challenge.'
'I’m grateful to all the crew for their support. I'm looking forward to working alongside them all to continue striving forward and being the best we can to save life at sea as one crew.'
'We have a slowly increasing number of female volunteers on station, I’m hoping seeing a female in the LOM position for the first time in Tynemouth's history will help to inspire the next generation of lifesavers, allowing us to better represent the community in which we serve.'
Doug Nicholson served as station LOM for over four years, taking over the role in 2021 before retiring in April this year. Everyone at Tynemouth RNLI wishes him the best in his retirement.